Friday, April 11, 2008

Hummingbird Tease and Bluebirds

As a follow-up to my previous post on Wednesday, I just had to give an update today.

Around 7:30 p.m. last night I had just finished running Chloe and Bella in the backyard. Heading inside, I heard the hum overhead and saw a male Ruby-Throated come in for a landing out of the southeast directly to the red feeder. Of course I didn’t have the camera but he came back three times before sundown to fill up.

I stood motionlessly watching him fuel his little self for several minutes last night. Was I excited? YOU BET. As giddy as a school girl.

This morning around 6:45 a.m. I looked through the bathroom window and saw him again, fueling up on a different feeder. I smiled and went off to work feeling hopeful. I guess he was just checking in at Mary’s Hummingbird Hotel of Huntersville for a restful night and a complimentary breakfast before starting off towards his northern destination. I haven’t seen him since then.

Sigh…and, another cold blast of air will visit this weekend with frost warnings!

Bluebird News: No Bluebirds at my house! HA!

But, there two or three couples on campus busily checking out the housing.

It’s so good to see some females!

Two of the nesting boxes have nests already so they inspected the remaining three. She even showed interest in the old one attached to a tree.

A helpful little man.

I had fun watching them collaborate and inspect.

Reminds me of newlywed excitement. You only need to listen to their romantic songs and watch them...

So what do you think, dear?

I wish to see their offspring.

For a few moments, I wondered how I could safely transport them in the middle of the night…to my house ;-)

Send a few of them little guys up north a bit! Still waiting on the hummingbirds here in Madison. Bluebirds I've got by the dozens. If we make it through this threatened frost (ugh), maybe we can make a trade.

I know there are bluebirds around here too because I have caught pictures of one. (See blog.) But I haven't figured out if they are housing with me yet. With all my travels, I haven't yet checked all the houses. I know that they're not in the most convenient house near my garden. Still, I hope they're in one of the 8 houses we have here. Tramping into the fields tomorrow to see...

Beautiful photos as usual. I am sure the bluebirds will come to your house soon. Patients.. I have a pair trying to nest in my eaves, I have two perfect houses, but mrs. blue bird doesn't think they are good enough, she wants my house.. lol Glad to see you back in blog world.. enjoy your hummers as I am sure they enjoyed the nourishment you provided.. Thanks Mary..

And I hate to say I told you so....but I KNEW those hummers would show up!! And they will AGAIN!!! You got some great shots of him as well!!!I am giddy with excitement over SPRING...however we have SNOW SHOWERS predicted for Sunday/Monday...although it's almost 70 today (Saturday)

I found a NEW Bird (new to me) that I posted. Hop on by when you get a chance.

Dear Mary,He is beautiful! I am so happy you saw your first Hummer of the season! The cold is easier to take knowing it will be over soon. The hummers will be around day and night for six more months! Your Blue Bird photos are lovely.Oh Mary, I am swooning....As Goddess of the Endless Summer you can simply order those Blue Birds to your back yard! A trail of meal worms might do the trick!I am so happy for you.Enjoy each and every Hummingbird minute.Sherry

Mary I simply LoVe the images of the bluebirds!! The only bluebirds we have at home are the Jays..I was so excited when I captured the image of my Hummer...they have "Anna" hummingbirds here and I am determined to capture at least one image before I leave!!For now it is Mares and Foals!Great images here..sunkissed in AZ ..aNNa xo

Hi Mary - It's only a matter of time and those little colorful buggers will be fighting over your feeders! Your photos of the bluebirds are beautiful. I didn't realize that they are such a brilliant blue. I hope your job is easing down a bit and you are able to relax and enjoy your days.